Oil on canvas diptych of a snowy Northwest Territories islet beneath the aurora, with scattered black spruce trees.
Oil on canvas diptych of a snowy Northwest Territories islet beneath the aurora, with scattered black spruce trees.
Oil on canvas diptych of a snowy Northwest Territories islet beneath the aurora, with scattered black spruce trees.
Oil on canvas diptych of a snowy Northwest Territories islet beneath the aurora, with scattered black spruce trees.
Oil on canvas diptych of a snowy Northwest Territories islet beneath the aurora, with scattered black spruce trees.
Rod Charlesworth

Islet in the Snow

36" x 80"

Sale price$9,665.00 CAD

Oil on Canvas

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About the Artwork

Islet in the Snow is a 36" × 80" oil on canvas diptych by Rod Charlesworth (b. 1955) comprising two 36" × 40" panels hung together.

Days grow short here in December, with long hours of darkness giving the aurora ample opportunity to show itself. Aurora viewing is one of the Northwest Territories' best-known draws — on clear, cold nights, the lights can move overhead for hours, shifting from green into violet. Black spruce is the defining tree of this landscape — tolerant of thin soil, slow-growing, and often standing apart from its neighbours rather than crowding into dense stands, creating small clusters like Charlesworth depicts here.

The fallen deadwood and dried grass poking through the drifts are the kind of detail you only notice if you've walked that ground yourself — nothing manicured, nothing softened for effect. It's a vast, sparse landscape, and the diptych format suits it — two panels, hung together so the eye has to travel the vast width of the land.

Dimensions and Details

  • Title: Islet in the Snow
  • Artist: Rod Charlesworth
  • Size: 36" × 80" overall (91.4 × 203.2 cm), diptych
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Surface: Canvas
  • Configuration: Two separate 36" × 40" panels hung together
  • Framing: Intended to hang as shown; however, custom framing options are available.

Acquisition Enquiries

Islet in the Snow is offered through West End Gallery. Collectors interested in this work are invited to contact the gallery directly to enquire about availability, arrange a private viewing, or discuss acquisition terms. Shipping is quoted according to destination and preferred carrier. Complimentary delivery is available within Edmonton and surrounding communities. Layaway options may be discussed upon request.

Citations
  1. No external sources were referenced for this description.
Accessibility Description

A wide, two-panel painting showing a winter landscape at night. The upper half of both panels shows a deep blue-violet sky with vertical bands of aurora in white, pale green, and turquoise sweeping across the composition. Small white dots represent stars throughout the sky. Along the horizon, a thin, dark treeline runs the full width of the painting, separating the sky from a pale blue frozen lake below. The lake surface is smooth and lightly textured with subtle tonal variation. In the foreground, rounded snowbanks in white and pale blue cover the ground across both panels. Numerous evergreen trees rise from the snowbanks at irregular intervals, their branches heavily coated in white snow, giving them a rounded, layered appearance. Taller trees stand near the centre where the two panels meet, while shorter trees appear toward the outer edges. Bare branches and fallen deadwood lie partially buried in the snow near the base of several trees, alongside small clumps of dried tan and gold grasses. The paint throughout is thickly applied, with visible ridges and texture in the snow and foliage. No signature is visible in the reviewed images.

Full Provenance
  1. Provenance information is not currently recorded. Please enquire for updates.
Disclaimer

This description has been prepared by West End Gallery using original documentation and current scholarship. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, minor variations or additional information may emerge through ongoing research. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to contact us to confirm any details critical to their acquisition decision.

Proudly Canadian

West End Gallery is a proudly Canadian business, celebrating the incredible talent of artists from coast to coast. For five decades, we have championed Canadian art and supported the vibrant creative community that makes this country extraordinary.

Edmonton, Alberta · Est. 1975

Founded in 1975, West End Gallery has been a cornerstone of Edmonton's arts community for five decades. Located in the heart of Alberta's capital, we take pride in our deep roots and our commitment to showcasing exceptional artwork from talented artists across Canada.

Shipping & Exchanges

Shipping

Artwork is carefully packed in a suitable box or crate. Shipping and handling are quoted for the artwork and destination and confirmed before payment.

Delivery methods

  • Local pickup — free at 10337 124 Street NW, Edmonton.
  • Local delivery — complimentary within Edmonton.
  • Canada-wide shipping — Canada Post, Canpar, Purolator or private courier.
  • US and international shipping — DHL Express.

Delivery times may vary due to weather, carrier delays and other factors beyond our control.

Carrier coverage and additional insurance

Artwork ships with the basic coverage included by the carrier. This coverage is subject to the carrier’s terms and limits and may not cover the full value of the artwork. Clients may arrange additional insurance themselves or ask the Gallery for a quote for coverage under the Gallery’s policy before shipment.

Exchanges

Ordinary goods are final sale, except where required by law. The Gallery may, at its discretion, offer an exchange or store credit; a request does not guarantee approval.

Request a discretionary exchange in writing within seven calendar days of the invoice or Bill of Sale date for in-gallery purchases, or within seven calendar days of delivery for shipped purchases within Canada or internationally. Obtain authorization before returning goods. Approved returns must meet the condition, documentation and packaging requirements in our Return & Exchange Policy.

Gift certificates, commissions, special orders and layaway/payment-plan purchases are excluded from the ordinary discretionary exchange policy. Separately agreed terms and statutory rights remain unaffected. The accepted quote and accompanying terms govern your transaction; later website updates do not change an existing agreement.

Damage reporting

Inspect the artwork and packaging promptly. Report damage or discrepancies as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours of delivery or pickup, with available photographs of the artwork, packaging and shipping label. Retain all packaging while the issue is investigated. Missing this requested reporting period does not by itself remove statutory rights. Carrier and insurer requirements depend on the actual service or policy. Read our Return & Exchange Policy.

Artwork Care

CARING FOR YOUR ARTWORK

Display
Hang artwork away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and air vents. UV exposure causes fading over time — UV-protective glazing is recommended for works on paper and photography. Avoid hanging artwork above fireplaces or in bathrooms where heat and humidity fluctuate.

Cleaning
Dust frames gently with a soft, dry cloth. Never use household cleaners, water, or solvents on the artwork surface. For oil paintings, a soft-bristle brush can be used lightly to remove surface dust. Professional cleaning is recommended for valuable or delicate pieces.

Temperature & Humidity
Maintain a stable environment — ideally 18–22°C (65–72°F) with 40–55% relative humidity. Rapid changes in temperature or humidity can cause warping, cracking, or flaking. In Alberta’s dry climate, a humidifier can help protect your collection during winter months.

Handling & Moving
Always handle artwork with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves. Carry framed works by the sides of the frame — never by the hanging wire. When transporting, wrap in acid-free tissue or soft blankets and keep upright. For valuable pieces, professional art handlers and custom crating are recommended.

Storage
Store artwork upright in a cool, dry, dark space. Use acid-free materials for wrapping. Never store artwork in attics, basements, or garages where temperature and humidity are uncontrolled.

Insurance
We recommend insuring your art collection. An up-to-date appraisal (every 2–3 years) ensures proper coverage. West End Gallery offers professional appraisal services — please enquire for details.

Questions?
Contact us at info@westendgalleryltd.com or 780-488-4892. We’re always happy to advise on the care of your collection.